Subscription Lists

Ethical actions and thoughts are based on the commandments and the examples presented in the Bible. They are, taken together, Godly love in actions.

We often hear reference made to this or that ethical principles, ethical deeds, and ethical conduct regarding humans in various circumstances. Ethical conduct and beliefs are extremely difficult to define, and even more difficult to follow in any given circumstance. The encyclopedia definition is almost as confusing as any individual might describe. Notice:

*"Ethics or moral philosophy is a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct.[1] The term ethics derives from the Ancient Greek word ἠθικός ethikos, which is derived from the word ἦθος ethos (habit, "custom"). The branch of philosophy axiology comprises the sub-branches of ethics and aesthetics, each concerned with values.

[2] As a branch of philosophy, ethics investigates the questions "What is the best way for people to live?" and "What actions are right or wrong in particular circumstances?" In practice, ethics seeks to resolve questions of human morality, by defining concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice and crime. As a field of intellectual enquiry, moral philosophy also is related to the fields of moral psychology, descriptive ethics, and value theory."

As we see from the above, when two definitions are used to describe a single principle, we know there must also be "wiggling room" as we say. Ethics is whatever one desires to say is ethical.

Perhaps this is the reason we seldom see or hear references to ethics. When the subject is narrowed down and referred to in a Christian context, the difficulty eases somewhat, but not much. There are almost as many descriptions and references to Christian ethics as there are denominations - even within individual church congregations.

Given the confusion regarding ethics as understood in the intellectual world, is there a Christian ethic? Is there Christian ethics (plural) that we can define in an understandable and practical way - one that does not create more questions than answers?

There is a list of ethics in the Bible. They are simple, straight forward, and discernable by anyone who will pause and think - even for a few minutes. Most Christians are familiar these ethics, although not often considered in the context of the word "ethics". These Christian ethics are practical, understandable by anyone willing to believe them. They are workable in any life that will believe them. And live them.

"But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [[a]that can bring a charge]." - Galatians 5:22-23

These are Christian "ethics" They are appropriate and applicable to any and all circumstances of life and living.
Are you an ethical person? Will you be ethical in all your ways, in all your dealings with others? If you will, you will find great favor in the eyes of God.

And man.

"For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is [e]complied with in the one precept, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. But if you bite and devour one another [in partisan strife], be careful that you [and your whole fellowship] are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do." - Galatians 5:14-17

"The Way" from Kevin Pauley

Milque-Toast Prayers